Insulinoma after streptozotocin therapy for metastatic gastrinoma: natural history or iatrogenic complication?

J Clin Gastroenterol. 1990 Oct;12(5):579-80. doi: 10.1097/00004836-199010000-00018.

Abstract

Islet cell carcinoma frequently produces more than one chemical product, although its clinical expression is usually restricted to a single hormone. We describe an unusual patient who presented with full-blown metastasizing gastrinoma. He was treated with cimetidine for five years and then streptozotocin therapy, which resulted in a regression in hepatomegaly and a fall in serum gastrin levels. Following one year's therapy with streptozotocin, he was admitted in hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic stupor. This appears to be the first reported case of a "shift" from clinical gastrinoma to insulinoma possibly related to prolonged streptozotocin therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma, Islet Cell / chemically induced
  • Adenoma, Islet Cell / secondary
  • Aged
  • Gastrinoma / drug therapy*
  • Gastrinoma / secondary
  • Humans
  • Insulinoma / chemically induced*
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / secondary
  • Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / secondary
  • Streptozocin / adverse effects*
  • Streptozocin / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Streptozocin